--- type: "fiber" name: "Cotton" slug: "cotton" fiber_type: "cellulosic" fiber_origin: "natural_plant" trade_names: - "Upland Cotton" - "Egyptian Cotton" - "Pima Cotton" url: "https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton" updated: "2025-09-07T19:10:19.26699+00:00" --- # Cotton The world's most widely used natural plant fiber, known for breathability, softness, and versatility. - **Fiber Type**: Cellulosic - **Origin**: Natural Plant - **Production Method**: Cultivated and harvested from cotton plants, processed into fiber through ginning and spinning. - **Also Known As**: Cotton Fiber, Organic Cotton, Conventional Cotton - **Trade Names**: Upland Cotton, Egyptian Cotton, Pima Cotton ## About Cotton Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll around the seeds of cotton plants. It has been cultivated for over 7,000 years and remains the most important natural fiber globally. Cotton is highly absorbent, breathable, and comfortable against the skin, making it ideal for clothing and home textiles. ## Key Properties - **Density**: 1.54 g/cm³ - **Fiber Diameter**: 17 µm - **Fiber Length**: 30 mm - **Linear Density**: 1.08 denier - **Tensile Strength**: 300 MPa - **Elongation at Break**: 7% - **Moisture Regain**: 8.5% - **Heat Resistance**: 150 °C - **Natural Color**: white - **Luster**: Dull ## Performance Characteristics - **Abrasion Resistance**: Fair - **Pilling Resistance**: Good - **Wrinkle Resistance**: Fair - **UV Resistance**: Good - **Chemical Resistance**: Fair - **Moisture Absorption**: Excellent - **Wicking**: Good - **Breathability**: Excellent - **Elastic Recovery**: Poor - **Dimensional Stability**: Fair - **Dyeability**: Excellent ## Strengths - Breathable - Soft - Absorbent - Durable - Easy to care for ## Limitations - Wrinkles easily - Shrinkage - Slow drying - Limited stretch ## Sustainability - **Biodegradable**: Yes - **Recyclable**: Yes - **Renewable Source**: Yes - **Bio-based Content**: 100% - **Recycled Content**: 0% - **Certifications**: GOTS, OEKO-TEX - **Major Producers**: United States, China, India, Pakistan, Brazil ## Care - **Max Wash Temperature**: 60 °C - **Max Ironing Temperature**: 200 °C - **Dry Cleaning**: Safe - **Bleach Compatibility**: Chlorine Safe Avoid high temperatures to prevent shrinkage. ## Common Applications - T Shirts - Jeans - Bed Sheets - Towels - Underwear ## Common Uses in Detail ### Everyday Apparel From t-shirts to jeans and underwear, cotton dominates everyday clothing thanks to its natural breathability, softness against skin, and ability to absorb moisture. It keeps wearers comfortable across seasons and withstands frequent washing without losing its shape. ### Home Textiles Bed sheets and towels rely on cotton's exceptional absorbency and gentle texture to deliver comfort and practicality. Its durability through repeated laundering and hypoallergenic nature make it the preferred fiber for household linens in bedrooms and bathrooms alike. ## Fabrics Made With This Fiber - [Adire](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/adire.md) - [Ankara Wax Print](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ankara-wax-print.md) - [Aso Oke](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/aso-oke.md) - [Barkcloth (cotton)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/barkcloth-cotton.md) - [Batik Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/batik-fabric.md) - [Bedford Cord](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bedford-cord.md) - [Blanket Cloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/blanket-cloth.md) - [Bogolanfini](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/bogolanfini.md) - [Boutis](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/boutis.md) - [Broderie Anglaise](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/broderie-anglaise.md) - [Brushed Cotton](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/brushed-cotton.md) - [Brushed Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/brushed-twill.md) - [Cavalry Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cavalry-twill.md) - [Chanderi](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/chanderi.md) - [Chenille (woven)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/chenille-woven.md) - [Chenille Matelassé](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/chenille-matelasse.md) - [Chino](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/chino.md) - [Chintz](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/chintz.md) - [Cluny Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/cluny-lace.md) - [Corduroy](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/corduroy.md) - [Crewel Embroidered Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/crewel-embroidered-fabric.md) - [Damask](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/damask.md) - [Damask (Decor)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/damask-decor.md) - [Denim](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/denim.md) - [Dobby Cloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/dobby-cloth.md) - [Double Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/double-jersey.md) - [Drill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/drill.md) - [Dutch Wax Print](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/dutch-wax-print.md) - [Eyelet](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/eyelet.md) - [Flannel](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flannel.md) - [Flannel Shirting](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flannel-shirting.md) - [Flannelette](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flannelette.md) - [Flocked Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/flocked-fabric.md) - [Foil-Printed Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/foil-printed-fabric.md) - [French Terry](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/french-terry.md) - [Full Cardigan](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/full-cardigan.md) - [Gabardine](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/gabardine.md) - [Gobelin](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/gobelin.md) - [Guipure Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/guipure-lace.md) - [Half Cardigan](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/half-cardigan.md) - [Herringbone](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/herringbone.md) - [Houndstooth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/houndstooth.md) - [Huckaback](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/huckaback.md) - [Ikat](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/ikat.md) - [Interlock](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/interlock.md) - [Jacquard Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/jacquard-knit.md) - [Jamdani](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/jamdani.md) - [Jersey](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/jersey.md) - [Kente](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/kente.md) - [Khadi](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/khadi.md) - [Madras](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/madras.md) - [Matelassé](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/matelasse.md) - [Moleskin](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/moleskin.md) - [Mudcloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/mudcloth.md) - [Oilcloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/oilcloth.md) - [PVC-Coated Fabric](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pvc-coated-fabric.md) - [Percale Sheeting](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/percale-sheeting.md) - [Piqué](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pique.md) - [Pointelle](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/pointelle.md) - [Purl Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/purl-knit.md) - [Rainwear Gabardine](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/rainwear-gabardine.md) - [Rib Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/rib-knit.md) - [Sateen](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sateen.md) - [Sateen Drapery](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sateen-drapery.md) - [Sateen Sheeting](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/sateen-sheeting.md) - [Seersucker](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/seersucker.md) - [Shirting Oxford](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shirting-oxford.md) - [Shirting Poplin](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shirting-poplin.md) - [Shweshwe](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/shweshwe.md) - [Songket](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/songket.md) - [Tapestry](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/tapestry.md) - [Terry Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/terry-knit.md) - [Terrycloth](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/terrycloth.md) - [Thermal Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/thermal-knit.md) - [Turkish Terry](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/turkish-terry.md) - [Twill](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/twill.md) - [Upholstery Chenille](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/upholstery-chenille.md) - [Upholstery Jacquard](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/upholstery-jacquard.md) - [Velour (Knit Pile)](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/velour-knit-pile.md) - [Velveteen](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/velveteen.md) - [Venise Lace](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/venise-lace.md) - [Waffle Knit](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/waffle-knit.md) - [Waffle Weave](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/waffle-weave.md) - [Waxed Canvas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/waxed-canvas.md) - [Whipcord](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fabrics/whipcord.md) ## Similar Fibers - [Hemp](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/hemp.md) — Cellulosic --- *Source: [Fabric Atlas](https://www.fabricatlas.com/fibers/cotton) — HTML version of this page.*